On the 19th April 2019, the ETC Sports Surfaces team will be swapping our workwear for sportswear as we take on the Brighton Marathon to raise vital funds for MIND – the UK charity that ensures nobody has to face a mental health crisis alone.

Led by our own Bradley Wells and Sue Cripps, our team is determined to raise £1,000 by completing this gruelling 26-mile physical endeavour. Running a marathon would be a serious undertaking for anyone – but for Bradley this represents a particularly massive challenge as he battles to overcome serious sporting injuries in an event that will, quite literally, be “mind over matter”.

Every penny counts as we race against time to make (and hopefully exceed) our £1,000 fundraising target. What’s more, ETC Sports Surfaces as a company has pledged to contribute extra funds to match or support everything our team raises. That means that every donation will be maximised for the benefit of those who rely on MIND when they have nowhere else to turn.

Why have we chosen MIND?

One in four people in the UK will suffer from mental health issues during their lives – so, at some point, almost all of us will either experience mental health issues or find ourselves supporting a loved one through a mental health crisis. It’s a frightening place to be, and the consequences of leaving mental health untreated can be devastating. Getting the right advice and support early is crucial to give people the best chance of recovery.

MIND provides life-saving information for mental health sufferers when they need it most. They give vital advice and support for people in mental health difficulties and the people around them. And they campaign tirelessly to bring about lasting change in mental health policies and services.

Defying all odds to raise much-needed mental health funds

Like so many people, Bradley has had personal experience of supporting loved ones through mental health issues. He’s so committed to the cause that he’s taking on this marathon despite suffering serious injuries and undergoing three separate knee operations in recent years.

“After my last operation, I was told I could never play competitive sports again – let alone take on a challenge like a marathon,” Bradley says. “But, over the years, I’ve learnt that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I’m not the kind of guy who can do things by halves, and so I’m aiming to beat the odds and achieve the impossible by running my first marathon and raising much needed funds for a cause close to my heart. I’m passionate about supporting MIND – even though I know this undertaking will be incredibly tough. I’ll do whatever it takes to cross that finish line!”